Projector

ABSTRACT

A projector includes a projector body that enlarges and projects image light and an image reproducing device that reproduces an image relating to the image light. The projector body and the image reproducing device are integrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector body is above the image reproducing device. A partition member is formed between the projector body and the image reproducing device, and the projector body is placed on the partition member.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/198,282, filed on Aug. 8, 2005, which claims the benefit of JapanesePatent Application No. 2004-256170, filed Sep. 2, 2004. The entiredisclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The exemplary embodiments relate to a complex projector into which aprojector body and an image reproducing device such as a digitalversatile disc (hereinafter, referred to as DVD) are integrated.

In the related art, a projector modulates a light beam emitted from alight source and projects the modulated light beam via a projection lenson to a screen. This projector is widely used for presentations, in, forexample, a conference, or the like, along with a personal computer (PC).

In such a projector, a color-separating optical system such as adichroic mirror separates the light beam from a light source into threelight components, and three optical modulators composed of liquidcrystal panels, or the like, modulate the respective color lightcomponents according to image information thereof. Further, in therelated art, a projector has a three-plate structure in which acolor-combining optical device, such as a cross dichroic prism, combinesthe respective color components after the modulation to form an opticalimage, and a projection optical device such as a projection lensenlarges and projects the formed optical image.

Further, with the recent multi-functionality of a projector, theprojector can output sound as well as project an image. Therefore, thenumber of projectors having a built-in sound reproducing device such asa speaker is increasing. With regard to the speaker, a stereo speaker isfrequently used in order to give realistic sensation (for example, seeJP-A-6-138433 (Paragraph [0021], FIG. 5)).

Moreover, with the recent multi-functionality of projectors, there hasbeen widely provided with a home-theater system which can easily andconveniently reproduce pictures with the same image quality as picturesshown in theaters. Thus, a complex projector in which a projector bodyand an image reproducing device are integrated can be used as a hometheater (for example, see JP-A-7-113996 (claim 1, FIG. 4). Although DVDplayers, video cassette recorders, or the like are often used as imagereproducing devices, DVD players are prevailingly used because ofexcellent image quality or easy handling of image sources.

However, generally, the projector generates a large amount of heat. Whensuch a projector is integrated with an image reproducing device such asthe DVD player, the image reproducing device also generates heat.Therefore, there are problems in that studies on arrangements forintegrating the DVD player and the image reproducing device are needed,efficient cooling cannot be performed, and the reduction in size of theprojector becomes difficult.

SUMMARY

The exemplary embodiments provide a projector capable of efficientlycooling a projector body and an image reproducing device, and capable offacilitating a reduction in size by dwarfing an occupying area.

According to an aspect of the exemplary embodiments, a projector isprovided which includes a projector body including, a light source, acolor-separating optical system that separates a light beam emitted fromthe light source into a plurality of color light components, a pluralityof optical modulators that modulate the separated color light componentsaccording to image information, a color-combining optical device thatcombines the beams modulated by the plurality of optical modulators, anda projection optical device that enlarges and projects image lightcombined by the color-combining optical device; and an image reproducingdevice that reproduces an image relating to the image light. Theprojector body and the image reproducing device are integrally arrangedin a vertical direction such that the projector body is above the imagereproducing device. A partition member is formed between the projectorbody and the image reproducing device, and the projector body is placedon the partition member.

The image reproducing device includes, for example, DVD players, videocassette recorders, etc.

According to the above structure, since the projector body and the imagereproducing device are integrally arranged in a vertical direction suchthat the projector body is above the image reproducing device, theoccupying area of the whole product can be made small, so that the sizeof the projector can be reduced.

Further, since the projector body is above the image reproducing device,the projector becomes suitable for upward projection. Moreover, sincethe projector body generates a much larger amount of heat than the imagereproducing device, the projector body is disposed above the imagereproducing device, so that the heat of the projector body can be keptfrom affecting the image reproducing device.

Since the partition member is formed between the projector body and theimage reproducing device, and the projector body is placed on the topsurface of the partition member, both devices can be reliably separatedfrom each other. Further, since the projector body is also placed on thepartition member, the projector can be placed stably.

Further, the partition member may be integrally formed with at least oneof a part of or all of a duct in the projector body and the imagereproducing device.

Since the partition member formed between the projector body and theimage reproducing device may be integrally formed with at least one of apart of or all of a duct in the projector body and the image reproducingdevice, suction or exhaust of air in the projector body or the imagereproducing device can be enhanced and performed well. Further, since itis unnecessary to separately provide the duct, the number of members canbe reduced, which makes it possible to reduce cost.

Further, the partition member may be formed with an introducing portthat introduces heat from the image reproducing device.

Since the partition member formed between the projector body and theimage reproducing device may be formed with the introducing port whichintroduces heat from the image reproducing device, the heat of the imagereproducing device existing below the partition member is delivered tothe projector placed on the partition member, so that cooling of theimage reproducing device can be efficiently implemented.

Further, a heat generating portion in the image reproducing device maybe disposed right below or around the introducing port, and a portion ofthe partition member facing the projector body may be provided with aduct that communicates with the introducing port by air flow.

Since the heat generating portion in the image reproducing device may bedisposed right below or around the introducing port formed in thepartition member, the heat generated in the image reproducing devicepasses through the introducing port. Further, since the ductcommunicating with the introducing port is disposed at a portion of thepartition member facing the projector body, the heat which has passedthrough the introducing port is discharged through the duct to theoutside, so that heat radiation or cooling can be more efficientlyperformed.

The heat generating portion may include, for example, a driving unit ofa DVD player that is the image reproducing device, a pickup that is anoptical component which reads digital video signals recorded on a loadedDVD, and/or the like.

Further, the partition member may be integrally formed with a lateralside that surrounds the projector body, and the lateral side may beformed with a peripheral rib that surrounds a front end of theprojection optical device.

Since the partition member may be integrally formed with the lateralside that surrounds the projector body, and the lateral side may beformed with the peripheral rib that surrounds the front end of theprojection optical device (projection lens), the projection directioncan be made correct, and the projection efficiency can be enhanced oroptimized.

Further, since the peripheral rib is integrally formed with the lateralside integrated with partition member, the number of parts can bereduced so that the cost can be further reduced.

Further, an exhaust unit of the projector body and an exhaust unit ofthe image reproducing device may be arranged adjacent to each other.

Since the exhaust unit of the projector body and the exhaust unit of theimage reproducing device are arranged adjacent to each other, theexhaust of both of the exhaust units can be performed in the samedirection, and the exhaust efficiency of the apparatus can be enhancedor improved.

Further, the image reproducing device may be a digital versatile disc(DVD) player.

The DVD player may be employed as the image reproducing device to bedisposed in the projector, whereby it is possible to provide anintegrated projector body-DVD player projector which exhibits theabove-mentioned advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a projector according to a firstexemplary embodiment of the invention, as seen from the front side;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the projector according to the firstexemplary embodiment of the invention, as seen from the back side;

FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the structure of an optical system of aprojector body in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of theprojector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention,as seen from the front side;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of theprojector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention,as seen from the back side;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the projector body in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a DVD player that is an image reproducingdevice in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a structure of a partition memberin an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic showing the flow of heat which is generated by theDVD player in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another aspect of the internalstructure of the projector of the exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing still another aspect of theinternal structure of the projector of the exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Exemplary Embodiment

(I) External Structure of Projector

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a projector 10 according to the presentexemplary embodiment, as seen from the front side, and FIG. 2 is aperspective view of the projector 10, as seen from the back side.

The projector 10 accommodates a projector body 1 composed of an opticalsystem 4 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, within an exteriorcase 15 that is a housing that may have a substantially rectangularparallelepiped shape. The projector body 1 modulates a light beamemitted from a light source according to image information, andmagnifies image light combined after the light modulation to project theenlarged image light onto a projection surface, such as a screen, from aprojection lens 3.

Further, the projector 10 of the present exemplary embodiment, whichwill be described in detail below, is a complex projector including aDVD player 30 (see FIG. 4) that is an image reproducing device, whichreproduces images relating to image light. The projector body 1 and theDVD player 30 are integrally arranged in a vertical direction such thatthe projector body 1 is above the DVD player 30 within the external case15.

Although it will be described in detail below, within the external case15, a partition member 50 is formed between the projector body 1 and theDVD player 30, and the projector body 1 is placed on the top surface ofthe partition member 50 (see FIG. 5).

In addition, in the projector 10, a speaker that is a sound generatingunit, which generates sound relating to image light, is disposed insidetwo cover members 20 (see FIG. 2). When the projector body 1 projectsimage light, the speaker is also driven to reproduce sound correspondingto the image light. The speaker is also accommodated in the externalcase 15 along with the above-mentioned projector body 1 and the DVDplayer 30.

The external case 15 which accommodates the projector body 1 and the DVDplayer 30 is a housing made of a synthetic resin and having asubstantially rectangular plane. As shown in FIG. 1, the projection lens3 is exposed at a front face 15A. The projection lens 3 may serve as anoptical projection unit (an optical projection system), which magnifiesand projects an optical image which is modulated and formed by a liquidcrystal panel serving as an optical modulator. The projection lens 3 isconstructed as a group of lenses in such a way that a plurality oflenses is accommodated in a lens holding barrel (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the front face 15A (the surface at which theprojection lens 3 is exposed) of the external case 15 of the projector1, and a left lateral side 15B as seen from the front face 15A, areformed with exhaust openings 151A, 151B₁, and 151B₂. The exhaustopenings 151A, 151B₁, and 151B₂ are openings which discharges heatgenerated from the projector body 1 or the DVD player 30 within theexternal case 15 to the outside. In the present exemplary embodiment,several elongated and substantially rectangular air gaps are juxtaposedhorizontally to form the exhaust openings 151A, 151B₁, and 151B₂.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front face 15A of the external case 15of the projector 1 is formed with a power switch 301 which suppliespower, and an inlet connector 302 for attachment to an AC power cord.

In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the front face 15Aof the external case 15 is formed with one exhaust opening 151A, and theleft lateral side of the external case 15 is formed with two exhaustopenings 151B₁ and 151B₂. Among the two exhaust openings 151B₁ and 151B₂of the left lateral side 15B, the upper exhaust opening 151B₁communicates with the exhaust unit 73 of the projector body 1, and thelower exhausting opening 151B₂ communicates with an exhaust unit of theDVD player 30 (see FIG. 4).

Further, although not shown, several elongated and substantiallyrectangular air gaps are vertically juxtaposed at a right side of thecase 15, as seen from the front face of the external case 15, to formtwo suction openings. Among the two suction openings of the right side,the upper suction opening communicates with a suction unit 72 of theprojector body 1, and the lower suction opening communicates with asuction unit 74 of the DVD player 30 (see FIG. 4). The upper suctionopening is an opening which introduces outside air for cooling theprojector body 1 disposed within the external case 15.

As shown in FIG. 2, two planar cover members 20 are arranged on theright and left lateral sides of a rear face 15 c of the external case15. The inside of the cover member 20 is formed with a sound emittingport in which a speaker (not shown) serving as a sound reproducingdevice is disposed. The cover member 20 is provided for covering thesound emitting port. Further, the sound emitting port of the speaker isan opening into which a speaker (not shown) is assembled and positioned.Conforming to the shape of the speaker, a rectangular opening or asquare opening is formed as the sound emitting port.

In addition, the two sound emitting ports (two in total) are formed oneby one at each of the right and left lower portions of the rear face 15Cof the external case. These two sound emitting ports are covered withthe cover members 20.

The speakers (not shown) serving as sound reproducing devices which arearranged inside the two cover members 20 shown in FIG. 2, may becone-shaped speakers, each including a substantially rectangularparallelepiped speaker cabinet composed of a conical vibrating plate andan outer package member of the speaker.

Further, the speakers of the projector 10 of the present exemplaryembodiment may be stereo-type speakers. Although not shown, the speakersmay be disposed one by one at each of the sound emitting ports formed onthe right and left lateral sides of the rear face 15C of the externalcase 15.

(II) Structure of Optical System

FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the structure of the optical system 4 ofthe projector body 1 of the present exemplary embodiment.

The projector body 1 of the present exemplary embodiment includes anintegrator illumination optical system 41, a color-separating opticalsystem 42, a relay optical system 43, an optical device 44 into which anoptical modulator and a color-combining optical device are integrated,and a projection lens 3 serving as a projection optical device.

The integrator illumination optical system 41 is an optical system whichkeeps the illumination of the light beam emitted from the light sourceat a uniform intensity in the plane orthogonal to an illumination lightaxis. The integrator illumination optical system 4 includes a lightsource unit 411, a first lens array 412, a second lens array 413, apolarization conversion element 414, and a superposed lens 415.

The light source unit 411 includes a light source lamp 416 serving as aradiating light source, and a reflector 417. The radiant rays emittedfrom the light source lamp 416 are reflected by the reflector 417 to besubstantially collimated rays, and are emitted to the outside. Althougha high-voltage mercury lamp is employed as the light source lamp 416 inthe present exemplary embodiment, a metal halide lamp or a-halogen lampother than the mercury lamp may be employed. Further, although aparabolic mirror is employed as the reflector 417 in the presentexemplary embodiment, it is possible to employ a structure in which acollimating concave lens is disposed on a projection surface of areflector composed of an ellipsoidal mirror.

The first lens array 412 has a structure in which small lenses having asubstantially rectangular outline as seen from the direction of theillumination light axis are arranged in a matrix. Each small lens splitsa light beam emitted from the light source lamp 416 into partial lightbeams to project in the direction of the illumination light axis. Theoutline of each of the small lenses is set to have almost the same shapeas the shape of an image forming region of the liquid crystal panel 441which will be described later.

The second lens array 413 has almost the same structure as the firstlens array 412, and has a structure in which small lenses are arrangedin a matrix. The second lens array 413 focuses images of the smalllenses of the first lens array 412 on the liquid crystal panel 441together with the superposed lens 415.

The polarization conversion element 414 is to convert the light from thesecond lens array 413 into one type of polarized light. This makes itpossible to improve or enhance utilization efficiency of light in theoptical device 44.

Specifically, each partial light beam converted into one type ofpolarized light by the polarization conversion element 414 isapproximately superimposed finally on the liquid crystal panel 441 ofthe optical device 44 by the superposed lens 414. Since only one type ofpolarized light can be utilized in the projector using the liquidcrystal panel 441 of type which modulates polarized light, almost halfof the light beam from the light source lamp 416, which emits randomlypolarized light, is not utilized.

Therefore, the polarization conversion element 414 is used to convertthe light beam from the light source lamp 416 into substantially onetype of polarized light, thereby improving the utilization efficiency inthe optical device 44. In addition, such a polarization conversionelement 414 is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-8-304739.

The color-separating optical system 42 includes two dichroic mirrors 421and 422, and a reflecting mirror 423, and has a function to separate aplurality of partial light beams emitted from the integratorillumination optical system 41 by the dichroic mirrors 421 and 422 intothree color light components of red (R), green (G) and blue (B).

The relay optical system 43 includes an incident-side lens 431, a relaylens 433, and reflecting mirrors 432 and 434, and guides red lightcomponents, separated by the color-separating optical system 42, to theliquid crystal panel 441R.

Accordingly, in the dichroic mirror 421 of the color-separating opticalsystem 42, among the light beams emitted from the integratorillumination optical system 41, the red light component and the greenlight component are transmitted, and the blue light component isreflected. The blue light component reflected by the dichroic mirror 421is reflected by the reflecting mirror 423, and reaches a liquid crystalpanel 441B for blue light component through a field lens 418. The fieldlens 418 converts respective partial light beams emitted from the secondlens array 413 into light fluxes parallel to its center axis (principalray). This is true of field lenses 418 provided on the light incidenceside of other liquid crystal panels 441G and 441R.

Further, among the red light component and the green light componenttransmitted through the dichroic mirror 421, the green light componentis reflected by the dichroic mirror 422, and reaches the liquid crystalpanel 441G for green light component through the field lens 418. The redlight component is transmitted through the dichroic mirror 422, andreaches the liquid crystal panel 441R for red light component throughthe field lens 418.

The relay lens 43 is used for red light component so that the length ofan optical path of the red light component is larger than that of othercolor light components. This prevents the degradation of utilizationefficiency of light caused by light divergence. In other words, thismakes the partial light beams incident on the incident-side lens 431transmitted to the field lens 418 intact. Moreover, the relaying opticallens 43 is constructed to transmit red light component of the threecolor light components. However, the relaying optical lens is notlimited to such a construction, and may be configured to, for example, ablue light component.

The optical device 44 modulates incident light beams to form a colorimage, and includes three incident-side polarizing plates 442 on whichrespective color light components separated by the color-separatingoptical system 42 are incident, liquid crystal panels 441 (441R, 441G,and 441B) serving as light modulation elements which are arranged atrear stages of the respective incident-side polarizing plates 442, andemitting-side polarizing plates 443 which are arranged at rear stages ofthe respective liquid crystal panels (441R, 441G, and 441B), and crossdichroic prisms 444 serving as color-synthesizing optical systems.

The liquid crystal panels (441R, 441G, and 441B) are obtained byenclosing liquid crystal serving as an electro-optical material betweena pair of transparent glass substrates. For example, the liquid crystalpanels modulate the polarization direction of polarized light beamsemitted from the incident-side polarizing plates 442 according to givenimage signals by using poly-silicon TFTs as switching elements. Theimage forming region where the modulation of the liquid crystal panels441R, 441G, and 441B are performed is rectangular, and its diagonaldimension is, for example, about 0.7 inches.

Also, the respective color light components separated by thecolor-separating optical system 42 are modulated according to imageinformation by the three liquid crystal panels 441R, 441G, and 441B, theincident-side polarizing plates 442, and the emitting-side polarizingplates 443, to form an optical image.

The incident-side polarizing plate 442 transmits unidirectionalpolarized light alone, among the respective color light componentsseparated by the color-separating optical system 42, and absorbs theother light beams. The incident-side polarizing plates are constructed,for example, as a polarizing film is attached to a substrate such assapphire glass. Further, a polarizing film may be attached to the fieldlens 418 without using a substrate.

The emitting-side polarizing plates 443 are also constructed almost inthe same manner as the incident-side polarizing plates 442, and transmitonly polarized light having a predetermined direction, among the lightbeams emitted from the liquid crystal panels 441 (441R, 441G, and 441B),and absorbs the other light beams. Further, a polarizing film may beattached to the cross dichroic prisms 444 without using a substrate.

The incident-side polarizing plates 442 and the emitting-side polarizingplates 443 are set such that the direction of polarization axes thereofare orthogonal to each other.

The cross dichroic prism 444 combines an optical image which is emittedfrom the emitting-side polarizing plates 443 and modulated by everycolor light component, thereby forming a color image.

In the cross dichroic prism 444, a dielectric multilayer film whichreflects a red light component and a dielectric multilayer film whichreflects a blue light component are provided substantially in an X-shapealong interfaces of the four rectangular prisms. The three color lightcomponents are combined by these dielectric multilayer films.

Moreover, the color image combined by the prism 444 is emitted from theprojection lens 3, and is enlarged and projected onto a screen.

Also, the optical system having such a structure is accommodated in, forexample, a substantially L-shaped (in plan view) housing 45 for theoptical system, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

(III) Internal Structure of Projector 10

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing an internal structure of theprojector 10, FIG. 4 is a perspective view as seen from the front side,and FIG. 5 is a perspective view as seen from the back side. Both ofthese drawings show a state where the external case 15 is detached fromthe projector 10.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the projector body 1, and FIG. 7 is a plan viewof the DVD player 30.

(III-a) Structure of Projector Body 1

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the projector body 1 is disposed at the upperportion with the partition member 50 interposed between the projectorbody and the DVD player, and accommodated in the substantially L-shaped(in plan view) optical component housing 45. The optical componenthousing 45 is made of synthetic resin by injection molding, etc., andincludes a box-shaped component accommodating member 47B in whichoptical components are accommodated, and a lid member 47A which coversan opening in the top surface of the component accommodating member 47B.Specifically, the optical component housing 45 includes a light sourceaccommodating portion 48 which accommodates the light source unit 411,and a component accommodating portion 49 which is formed in the shape ofa container and which accommodates components other than the lightsource accommodating portion 411.

The light source accommodating portion 48 is substantially box-shaped.An end face of the light source accommodating portion, at the componentaccommodating portion 49, is formed with an opening. An end face of thelight source accommodating portion opposite to the above end face isalso formed with an opening. The opening formed in the end face of thelight source accommodating portion at the component accommodatingportion 49 is for transmitting light beams emitted from the light sourceunit 411. Further, the opening formed in the end face of the lightsource accommodating portion opposite to its end face at the componentaccommodating portion 49 is an opening for accommodating the lightsource unit 411, for example, by inserting the light source unit fromthe lateral side of the light source accommodating portion 48.

The component accommodating portion 49 has a substantially rectangularparallelepiped shape whose top surface is open, and has its one endconnected to the light source accommodating portion 48.

Although specific illustration is omitted herein, the componentaccommodating portion 49 is formed with a plurality of grooves whichallows the optical components 412 to 415, 419, 421 to 423, and 431 to435 to be slidably fitted from the top. Further, the optical device 44is installed at a portion adjacent to the projection lens 3 of thecomponent accommodating portion 49.

The lid member 47A, constituting the optical component housing 45,covers an upper end opening, except the upper side of the optical device44, in the component accommodating portion 49 of the componentaccommodating member 47B. The lid member 47A is formed with a pluralityof openings 46 which passes through both of its sides. The air which hascooled the interior of the optical component housing 45 is dischargedthrough the openings 46.

A circuit board 5 is disposed above the aforementioned optical componenthousing 45 (In addition, the illustration of the circuit board isomitted in FIG. 4).

The circuit board is constructed as a circuit board on which acalculation processing unit such as a CPU (central processing unit) ismounted, and controls the whole projector body 1. The circuit board 5controls driving of the liquid crystal panels (441R, 441G, and 441B)based on the signals output from interfaces (not shown). Also, theliquid crystal panels 441R, 441G, and 441B implement light modulation toform an optical image.

Further, the circuit board 5 inputs operating signals output from acircuit board of an operating panel (not shown), and from a remotecontrol light-receiving module (not shown), and properly outputs controlcommands to the components of the projector 10 based on the operatingsignals.

The power unit 6 supplies power to the light source unit 411, circuitboard 5, etc. The power unit 6 includes a power block 61 having a powercircuit, and a lamp driving block 62 disposed above the power block 61.

The power block 61 supplies the power supplied from the outside throughan AC power cord connected to an inlet connecter (not shown), to thelamp driving block, the circuit board 5, etc. The power block 61includes a circuit board on one side of which a transformer to convertan inputted alternating current into a low-voltage direct current, and aconverting circuit to convert output from the transformer into apredetermined voltage, etc. are mounted. The power block 61 alsoincludes a box member 611 serving as a shielding member which covers thecircuit board. The box member 611 is made of aluminum, and is formedsubstantially in the shape of a box whose both opposite ends are open.

The lamp driving block 62 is a converting circuit to supply power with astable voltage to the aforementioned power source unit 411. A commercialalternating current input from the power block 61 is rectified andconverted into a direct current or an alternating rectangular wavecurrent by the lamp driving block, and is supplied to the power sourceunit 411.

In addition, the lateral side of such a power unit 6 is provided with anexhaust fan 731 serving as the exhaust unit 73 of the projector body 1.The exhaust fan 731 discharges the air which has cooled the power unit 6through an exhaust opening 732.

Further, the suction fan 721 serving as the suction unit 72 of theprojector body 1, which is disposed at the lateral side of theprojection lens 3, introduces air outside of the projector body 1 from asuction opening 722 formed in a lateral side 502 of the partition member50. The suction fan 721 implements cooling of the respective opticalcomponents.

(III-b) Structure of DVD Player 30

The DVD player 30 of the projector 10 is disposed in the lower portionof the projector 10 with the partition member 50 interposed between theDVD player 30 and the projector body 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the frontsurface (the side where the projection lens 3 is disposed) of theprojector 10, is provided with a power switch 301 to input power and aninlet connector 302 for an AC power cord, as also shown in FIG. 1.

Further, the left lateral side of the DVD player 30, as seen from thefront side, is formed with an exhaust opening 751 as the exhaust unit75. An exhaust fan (not shown) is disposed within the exhaust opening751. In addition, the exhaust opening 751 of the DVD player 30 and theaforementioned exhaust opening 732 of the projector body 1 are arrangedadjacent to each other on a same plane of the projector 10.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the rear surface of the DVDplayer 30 is formed with a DVD insertion slot 303 to load and unload aDVD on which digital video signals related to an image are recorded. TheDVD is loaded into and unloaded from the DVD player 30 through the DVDinsertion slot 303.

The right lateral side of the DVD player 30 is formed with a suctionopening 741 serving as a suction unit 74, and a suction fan (not shown)is arranged inside the suction opening 741. The suction opening 741 ofthe DVD player 30 and the above-mentioned suction opening 722 of theprojector body 1 are arranged on an equal surface to the projector 10.This is also true of the exhaust openings 732 and 751.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the DVD player 30. The power unit 310 of theDVD player 30 supplies the power supplied from the outside to a DVDdriving unit 320, a circuit board 330, and the like through an AC powercord connected to the inlet connector 302, as also shown in FIG. 4.

In addition, a pickup (not shown) that is an optical component whichreads digital signals recorded on a loaded DVD is mounted on the DVDdriving unit 320.

The circuit board 330 controls the whole DVD player 30, and outputsdigital video signals recorded on the DVD and read by the pickup to theprojector body 1. Further, the projector body 1 drives the opticalsystem 4 based on the digital video signals to reproduce an imagecorresponding the digital video signals on a liquid crystal panel andthen to implement light modulation to form an optical image.Additionally, when the digital video signals are output, a speaker (notshown) is also driven to form an optical image and simultaneouslygenerate sound.

As described above, one lateral side of the DVD player 30 is providedwith the suction opening 741 serving as the suction unit 74 and thesuction fan (not shown). The suction opening and suction fan aredisposed adjacent to the power source unit 310. Further, another lateralside of the DVD player is provided with the exhaust opening 751 servingas the exhaust unit 75 and the exhaust fan (not shown). The suction unit74 and the exhaust unit 75 are formed adjacent to the suction unit 72 orexhaust unit 73 which are provided in the projector body 1.

(III-c) Structure of Partition Member 50

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the projector body 1 and the DVD player 30 areintegrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector body1 is above the DVD player 30. Further, the partition member 50 is formedbetween the projector body 1 and the DVD player 30, and the projectorbody 1 is placed on the partition member 50.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the projector body1 is detached from the projector in FIG. 4. Hereinafter, the structureof the partition member 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 4and FIG. 8.

The partition member 50 is an integrally molded product made ofsynthetic resin. A planer portion 501 having the projector body 1 placedthereon and the lateral sides 502 surrounding the projector body 1 areintegrally formed with each other.

In addition, in FIG. 8, a recessed portion 501A is formed in the planarportion 501 is to mount the suction fan 721. (See FIG. 4). Further, thesuction opening 722 is formed adjacent to one of the lateral sides 502.Similarly, ribs 50B formed in the planar portion 501 are provided toposition and fix the aforementioned power unit 6.

Although the partition member 50 is disposed on the top surface of theDVD player 30 with the projector body 1 placed thereon, the bottomsurface of the partition member 50 (the surface of the planar portion501 facing the DVD player 30) is formed with a supporting member (notshown), thereby the partition member 50 can be stably placed on the topsurface of the DVD player 30.

In the partition member 50 including the projector 10 of the presentexemplary embodiment, a substantially rectangular introducing port 510which introduces heat of the DVD player 30 disposed substantially at thelower center of the planar portion 501.

Further, the planar portion 501 of the partition member 50 is integrallyformed with a duct 520. Thereby, the introducing port 510 and the duct520 are in communication with each other by air flow (a state whichallows free passage of air from the introducing port 510 to the duct520). The partition member 50 may be integrally formed with the duct 520in the projector body 1 or DVD player 30, whereby suction or exhaust ofair in the projector body 1 or the DVD player 30 can be performed well.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the projector 10 of the present exemplaryembodiment, when the projector body 1 is placed on the partition member50, a fan 530 is disposed adjacent to the duct 520.

Specifically, the above structure allows the heat generated in the DVDplayer 30 disposed below the partition member 50 to be delivered fromthe introducing port 510 to the duct 520 which communicates with theintroducing port 510 by air flow. Accordingly, the heat which has pastthrough the introducing port 510 is discharged through the duct 520 tothe projector body 1 that is the outside of the DVD player 30. As aresult, heat radiation of the DVD player 30 can be efficientlyperformed.

Moreover, if the fan 530 disposed adjacent to the duct 520 is operated,the heat transferred toward the projector body 1 is properly radiated bythe fan 530.

If a heat generating portion in the DVD player 30 is disposed rightbelow the introducing port 510 or therearound, the heat generated in theheat generating portion of the DVD player 30 passes through theintroducing port 510 efficiently.

Here, the heat generating portion includes the driving unit 320 of theDVD player 30, specifically, a pickup that is an optical component whichreads digital video signals recorded on a loaded DVD.

FIG. 9 shows the flow of the heat generated by the DVD player 30 in theprojector 10. In FIG. 9, the arrows indicate the flow of heat.

In FIG. 9, the driving unit 320 (a heat generating portion of the DVDplayer 30) of the DVD player 30 disposed below the partition member 50is right below the substantially rectangular introducing port 510 formedin the partition member 50.

Further, when the driving unit 320 is operated, and the fan 530 disposedin the projector body 1 placed on the partition member 50 is alsooperated, the heat generated by the operation of the driving unit 320 ismoved toward the introducing port 510 which exists right above thedriving unit, and is delivered to the duct 520 which communicates withthe introducing port 510 by air flow. Then, the heat is properlyradiated by the aforementioned fan 530 disposed adjacent to the duct520.

(IV) Advantages of First Exemplary Embodiment

According to the projector of the aforementioned first exemplaryembodiment, the following advantages can be properly attained.

(1) In the projector 10 including the projector body 1, and the DVDplayer 30 that is an image reproducing device 30, the projector body 1and the DVD player 30 are integrally formed in a vertical direction suchthat the projector body 1 is above the DVD player 30. Therefore, theoccupying area of the whole product can be made small, so that the sizeof the projector 10 can be reduced.

(2) Moreover, since the projector body 1 generates a much larger amountof heat than the DVD player 30, the projector body 1 is disposed abovethe DVD player, so that the heat of the projector body 1 can be keptfrom affecting the DVD player 30.

(3) Since the partition member 50 is formed between the projector body 1and the DVD player 30, and the projector body 1 is placed on the topsurface of the partition member 50, both devices can be reliablyseparated. Further, since the projector body 1 is also placed on thepartition member 50, the projector can be placed stably.

(4) Since the partition member 50 formed between the projector body 1and the DVD player 30 is integrally formed with the duct 520 in theprojector body 1 or the DVD player 30, suction or exhaust of air in theprojector body 1 or the DVD player 30 can be performed well.

Further, since it is unnecessary to separately provide for the duct 520,the number of parts can be reduced, which makes it possible to reducecost.

(5) Since the partition member 50 formed between the projector body 1and the DVD player 30 is formed with the introducing port 510, whichintroduces heat from the DVD player 30, and a heat generating portion(for example, the driving unit 320 in the DVD player 30) is disposedright below the introducing port 510 formed in the partition member 50,the heat generated in the heat generating portion of the DVD player 30passes through the introducing port 510. Further, since the duct 520communicating with the introducing port 510 is disposed at a portion ofthe partition member 50 facing the projector body 1, the heat which haspassed through the introducing port 510 is discharged through the duct520 to the outside, so that heat radiation or cooling of the DVD player30 can be efficiently performed.

(6) Since the exhaust unit 73 formed in the projector body 1 and theexhaust unit 75 of the DVD player 30 are arranged adjacent to each otherin the same direction, the exhaust of both of the exhaust units can beperformed in the same direction, thus the exhaust efficiency of theapparatus can be improved.

(V) Modifications of Exemplary Embodiment

The invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and itis envisioned that other modifications and improvements are included inthe spirit and scope of the invention. Further, specific structures,shapes, and the like, at the time of practice of the exemplaryembodiments can be modified or changed to another structure or shape solong as the spirit and scope of the invention can be achieved.

For example, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, the partitionmember 50 is constructed such that the projector body 1 is placed on theplaner portion 501, the planar portion 501 and the lateral sides 502 areintegrally formed with each other, and the lateral sides 502 surroundsthe projector body.

On the other hand, although a portion of the lateral sides 502corresponding to a front end of the projection lens 3 that is aprojection optical device is flat, such a portion may be formed with aperipheral rib 540 which surrounds the front end of the projection lens3.

In the following description, the same structure and members as those ofthe first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same referencenumerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted orsimplified.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment ofthe projector 10. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another exemplaryembodiment of the projector 10. In the lateral sides 502 of thepartition member 50 of the projector 10 of these exemplary embodiments,a peripheral rib 540 is formed, and the peripheral rib 540 surrounds thefront end of the projection lens 3.

In addition, FIGS. 10 and 11 show a state in which the DVD playerserving as an image reproducing device is detached.

According to the structure shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, since the lateralside 502 surrounding the projector body 1 of the partition member 50 isformed with the peripheral rib 540, which surrounds the front end of theprojection lens 3 that is a projection optical lens constituting theprojector body 1, in addition to the advantages of the aforementioned(1) to (6), the projection direction can be made correct, and theprojection efficiency of the projection lens 3 can be optimized.

Further, since the peripheral rib 540 is integrated with the lateralside 502 of the partition member 50, the number of components can bereduced, and the reduction in cost can be attained.

Further, even though the aforementioned exemplary embodiments havedescribed the DVD player as an example of an image reproducing device,an image reproducing device is not limited to the DVD player. Forexample, the image reproducing device may be a videocassette recorder orthe like.

Further, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the substantiallyrectangular introducing port 510, which introduces heat of the DVDplayer 30, is disposed substantially at the lower center of the planarportion 501 in the partition member 50. However, the position where theintroducing port 510 is formed is not at all restricted to theaforementioned descriptions, thus the introducing port 510 can be formedat any position of the partition member 50.

Accordingly, for example, the introducing port 510, which introducesheat, is desirably formed right above or around the position where aheat generating portion of an image reproducing device, such as the DVDplayer 30. The introducing port 510 may be formed distant from theaforementioned position that is right above or around the heatgenerating portion. Moreover, the shape of the introducing port 510 isnot limited to the rectangular shape, and the optimal shape thereof canbe properly determined.

Although the aforementioned exemplary embodiments have been described inconjunction with the aspect in which the suction unit 72 and the exhaustunit 73 of the projector body 1, and the suction unit 74 and the exhaustunit 75 of the DVD player 30 that is an image reproducing device, arerespectively arranged adjacent to each other, the exemplary embodimentsare not limited thereto. For example, the suction unit 72 (or exhaustunit 73) of the projector body 1, and suction unit 74 (or exhaust unit75) of the DVD player 30 that is an image reproducing device, may beformed at positions separated from each other.

In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, only the projector of fronttype which performs projection from the direction that observes a screenis exemplified, but the exemplary embodiments can be applied to aprojector of rear type which performs projection from the directionopposite to the direction that observes a screen.

Although the best configuration for implementing the exemplaryembodiments have been disclosed above, the exemplary embodiments are notlimited to the described configuration. In other words, a person skilledin the art can modify the described specific configurations such asshape, material, quantity of the above-described exemplary embodimentsas long as a technical idea and spirit and scope of the disclosedembodiments can be achieved.

For example, the terminology used to describe various elements of theinvention should not be construed to limit such elements, such as theshape and the material of such elements. In other words, the exemplaryembodiments cover any useable variation of all of the elements describedabove, and such elements are not limited by terminology used to describesuch elements.

The projector of the exemplary embodiments include an image reproducingdevice such as a DVD player, which can be used for multiple purposes asa projector applied to multimedia representations in, for example,conventions, academic conferences, exhibitions, etc.

1. A projector, comprising: a projector body including, a light source,an optical modulator that modulates a light beam emitted from the lightsource according to image information, and a projection optical devicethat enlarges and projects image light modulated by the opticalmodulator; and an image reproducing device that reproduces an imagerelating to the image light, the projector body and the imagereproducing device being integrally arranged; and an exhaust opening ofthe projector body and an exhaust opening of the image reproducingdevice being arranged adjacent to each other.
 2. The projector accordingto claim 1, the projector body and the image reproducing device beingintegrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector bodyis above the image reproducing device.
 3. The projector according toclaim 2, further comprising: a partition member between the projectorbody and the image reproducing device, the projector body being placedon the partition member.
 4. The projector according to claim 3, thepartition member being integrally formed with at least one of or all ofa duct in the projector body and the image reproducing device.
 5. Theprojector according to claim 3, the partition member being integrallyformed with a lateral side that surrounds the projector body, and thelateral side being formed with a peripheral rib that surrounds a frontend of the projection optical device.
 6. The projector according toclaim 1, the image reproducing device being a digital versatile disc(DVD) player.